Welcome message

Dear KNPRN Members and Colleagues,

It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that I take on the role of Executive Director of the Korean Nonprofit & Philanthropy Researchers Network (KNPRN). As we embark on this exciting new chapter, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our founder and former Executive Director, Dr. Sung-Ju Kim, as well as to our leaders, advisors, and members who have generously contributed their time and expertise to building this organization.

Since our origins at the 2008 ARNOVA Annual Conference, KNPRN has proudly stood as a premier interdisciplinary association for Korean scholars in the United States. Today, I am thrilled to announce the launch of our "Phase 2" Leadership, which aims to elevate our network and broaden our collective impact.

Under this new vision, our upcoming initiatives will focus on three key expansions:

• Expanding Our Scholar Network: We are opening our doors wider—not only to Korean scholars but also to international researchers and academics who share a deep interest in Korean studies and its nonprofit landscape.

• Bridging Research and Practice: We will actively strengthen our network by connecting scholars with practitioners, including full-time staff and leaders working directly in nonprofits, civil society, and grassroots organizations.

• Advancing Our Research Frontiers: We are stepping up to the next level by broadening our thematic scope to encompass emerging and vital fields such as social entrepreneurship, civil society, nonprofit innovation, donation culture, and volunteering.

KNPRN remains fully committed to supporting our members in their academic growth, career advancement, and collaborative research. I encourage you to explore our community, share your insights, and join us in shaping the future of nonprofit and philanthropy studies.

Thank you for your continued dedication, and I look forward to working closely with all of you.

Warm regards,

Bok Gyo Jeong, Ph.D. President, KNPRN (2024-2026)